Hanh Thi Sprow, 1950 – 2018

Hanh Thi Sprow, a beautiful 68 years old, took her last earthly breath on Saturday, September 15, 2018 at her home sweet home, as she would like to call it, surrounded by her loving family. Hanh’s valiant fight against esophageal cancer began in January of 2018.

Hanh was born on July 15, 1950 in Da Nang, Vietnam to Huynh Quy (father) and Le Thi Thiet (mother). She was the 7th of 16 daughters. Her sisters remaining are: Hong Thi Huynh of Vietnam, Chi Thi Huynh of Washington, and Thuy Thi Le Manning of Texas.

Hanh met her beloved Harold David during the Vietnam War. They celebrated their 47th anniversary on August 23, 2018. Harold and Hanh were blessed with 4 children. The surviving children are: Kieu (Travis) Okuley of Continental, Marcia (Mark) Wakeham of Defiance, and Jason (Andrea) Sprow of Defiance. Hanh lost her son Harold David II (Sara) Sprow in 2003 due to a car accident, but then was blessed with a son, Tony (Stephanie) Wilhelm of Hicksville.

Hanh spent her early years as a homemaker and caretaker, was the owner of Hanh Thi’s Oriental Restaurant (1981-1984), and even dabbled in factory work, retiring from Fypon in Archbold. Hanh was a master in the kitchen and blessed so many lives with her delicious food. Hanh had 2 more “loves” of her life…she loved to garden, and she loved her casinos. Hanh was known for her petite frame, packed full of spunk and sass. Her famous line, “Get out of my kitchen”. That was her kitchen.

Hanh’s spirit is carried on by her husband, 4 children, 17 grandchildren; Konnor and Kenna Okuley, Kiara, Keenan, Kaci, and Maggie Wakeham, Kaleb, Kody, Kaden and Bryenna Sprow, Kaitlynn Stark, Felicity Eichler, Kynlee and Kali Sprow, Ethan, Gavin, and Isaac Wilhelm, 3 sisters, nieces, nephews, and an extended list of family and friends from every step of her life.

This obituary is a loving tribute to our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend: Mom, you have given so much and asked for so little in return. Thank you for sacrificing everything and everyone you knew to come to the United States and give us this amazing life. Thank you for always being there for us and most importantly, for installing in us a strong foundation for life: Kindness, Love, Respect, Faith, and Family…ALWAYS.

Hanh Thi’s family asks: “That you spend time with your loved ones, eat dinner together as a family, and take time to smell the roses. Life is too short. Be devoted in Faith. Always be respectful and kind. Laugh a lot, and love with every ounce of your being.

Visitation will be held from 2-8 pm on Tuesday, September 18, 2018 at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance. A Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, September 19, 2018 at St. John Lutheran Church in Defiance, with Rev. Donald L. Luhring officiating.

Memorials are suggested to CHP Defiance Area Hospice Center, or VanCrest Nursing Care Center of Holgate. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.